Beans, greens, potatoes, tomatoes, chicken, turkey, you name it! The holidays are filled with buffet-style delicious food, which includes a lot of unhealthy ones such as pies, eggnog, cookies, and pastries. It is very easy to get caught up during the holidays with overeating, especially with large portions, or having a second or third helping of food. We tend to indulge during the holidays, and can easily pack on four or more pounds over the season. There is a way to eat some treats without the guilt or the weight gain. Moderation is key, and there is a way to approach the holidays with a healthy eating plan and strategies.
Eat Breakfast
Stop and take the time in the morning to eat a breakfast. Everyone always says it is the most important meal of the day, because it is. Eating breakfast is food for your brain, as well as your body. It helps start off the day more efficiently, and it especially helps you from overeating later in the day.
Eat A Salad
Eating a salad before eating a meal not only helps fill you up, but it also helps your stomach digest food better.
Eat A Meatless Meal
Make at least one of your meals throughout the day a meatless one. Incorporate fruits and vegetables in your meal so that your body can receive all the nutrients and vitamins it needs. At the same time, a meatless meal will help your stomach from overworking breaking down meat.
Keep Healthy Snacks Around
When you are at work or at home, try to opt for the healthier snacks. Try almonds, a piece of fruit, carrots, or a rice cake. Trust me, no one wants flaming hot cheetos more than me, but your body deserves the good stuff more. Resist the temptations by keeping them out of sight.
Portion Control
Portion control? On a holiday meal? It is tough to pass up all the foods that come your way when getting passed around, but you can have it. The key is to have a little of everything. Take a spoonful of whatever you would like to eat and limit how much food is on your plate. Did you know that it takes a couple of minutes for our brain to get the signal it is full? It does, so just when you think you want more, take a 10 minute break, drink some water, and make some conversation. After that, check if you are still hungry.
Avoid Too Much Alcohol
Eggnog, as tasty as it is to some people, it has a lot of calories in it. This goes for any alcoholic beverage, so make sure to not drink on an empty stomach, because alcohol increases your appetite. For every glass of alcohol you have, then have a glass of water after to stay on the healthy side.
Stay Away From The Snack Table!
When we are at parties, well when I am at a party, I tend to never be too far from the delicious looking snack table. It is very tempting to stand next to it. It is also where a lot of people mingle. And when you are in arm’s reach, you don’t think twice of popping some treats in your mouth in the middle of conversation. Try to avoid the snack table, and if you’re talking with someone at the table, start to walk with the person, or as hard as it may be, avoid grabbing a snack.
Exercise
After eating a meal, go for a walk with some friends, play some basketball, or go for a quick run! Try to get the recommended 30 minutes a day exercise in, whether through walking, biking, or going to the gym. Staying fit and physically active is the best thing you can do for your body.
Try to follow these easy healthy eating habits during the holiday season, and the rest of the year. It is okay to give into your favorite guilty treat here and there, as long as you do not make it an all day event. It is easy to get lost in the indulgence, and push off getting back on the healthy track. But if you practice these good habits everyday, then in no time it will become routine. Enjoy the holidays, just try to be more health conscious while doing so.